Vauxhall Motors 1 Stafford Rangers 1

Stafford came away with a point from the Motassist Arena in their first away of the season - despite leading for a good part of the game.

Tom Thorley's second goal in as many games after his loan move from Stoke had put Rangers in control but Vauxhall would not give it up. Sub Anthony Wright got their equaliser with 10 minutes to go.

Yet it was the home side who started strongest. As early as he fourth minute, James Holden collected a pass from Pat McFadden just outside the area and curled a shot towards the top corner, with Stafford goalkeeper Danny Alcock doing well to palm the ball away for a corner.

But it was Bully's men who seized the lead in the 17th minute, thanks to a touch of class from a Thorley set-piece, after a free-kick was awarded for Alan Griffiths' foul on David McNiven 20 yards out.

The impressive 18-year-old stepped up with a superb free kick in the top corner, giving home goalkeeper James Coates no chance.

Back came Vauxhall and in the 36th minute, debutant Karl Noon was denied by Alcock at point blank range.

After the interval, both sides had plenty of chances. In the 57th minute, Nick Wellecomme should scored a one-on-one but blasted his shot straight at Coates.

They lived to regret it. In the 80th minute, the home side equalised. Noon crossed in from the right and Wright headed home from 6 yards out.

A smash and grab was nearly on the cards for Stafford, who had two great chances in the final minute. Firstly, substitute Paul McMahon shot from 18 yards

out which only just went narrowly wide.

With virtually the last kick of the game, Thorley's practically identical free kick just outside the area this time he blasted over the cross bar.

Stafford: Alcock, Wilson, Daniel, Amos, Thorley, Loukes, Palmer, McPherson, Reid, McNiven, Wellecomme.